Hi all,
This being a Saturday, a day where no visa work would be done, we ventured out again (and away from our computer) to see some of the local sights. Today's choice - the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The Mausoleum is less than a mile from our hotel, so we have passed it often when we are out. Here (contrary to his wishes for a simple cremation) is where Ho Chi Minh's body is displayed in a glass sarcophagus. There are many rules for visiting. First, no cameras, phones, etc. Second, no shorts, tanks tops, etc. Then no talking, hands in your pockets, hats on your heads, etc. Guards stand about every 5 paces to make sure that these rules are enforced. There is an air of deep reverence by the Vietnamese people that go there. It was an interesting experience to say the least. Thomas thought it was weird and Helen wanted to know what the dead part was.
After that, we went to the Ho Chi Minh Museum (on the same grounds). That would have been more interesting if we knew significantly more about Vietnam's history and if we didn't have 3 children 6 and under.
The irony of it all is that, as I said earlier, HCM was supposedly a very simple man and desired a simple cremation and the Mausoleum and specifically the grounds surrounding it is probably the most kept up, grand, beautiful spot in Hanoi. The gardens are gorgeous, there are beautiful fountains, and real grass growing (as opposed to the crab grass that they grow in parks here complete with signs that tell you to stay off of it.) Many pictures could be taken there.
That was pretty much the highlight of the day. The other thing (that I am sure that you have been waiting for a report on all week) was that the helmet law went into effect today. Out of the hundreds and hundreds of motorbike riders we saw today, we counted about 10 people who didn't have helmets. It was fascinating to see how that changed.
Well, I am going to wrap it up. Julia hasn't been sleeping well lately, so I want to catch some z's while she is.
Thanks for checking in.
Barbie
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2 comments:
Barbie,
Sounds like your Saturday was spent entirely differently than mine will be! I'm in "Christmas Cookie Baking" mode. It is what we usually do for the kids teachers, neighbors, etc...so out come the flour, butter, sugars and candies and away we go! It doesn't involve a dead guy and beautiful gardens, that's for sure!
I'm still quite flabberghasted at all of your opportunities. I am sure at this point, I too, would be happy to come home. I believe God's timing is involved in all of this, so maybe He knows you all need the time together there, for some reason. Just keep enjoying one another. =)
Well, I'm off, first to WalMart and back to take care of the baking, baking, BAKING!! I'd send you a couple cookies if I knew that they wouldn't go stale in the process!
Take care!
Cindy
I loved Thomas' comments about the Masoleum. And about Tet in a different post. It's pretty cool to read about all that from the perspective of a 6 year old. I'm sure that those of another generation have quite different thoughts when they hear "Ho Chi Minh" and "Tet".
Dave and I watched a History Channel special called "1968" with Tom Brokaw yesterday morning. Understandably, there were lots of video footage shown of Vietnam in 1968. A bunch was said about the Tet Offensive and how that influenced American public opinion early in 1968.
And to think...just 40 years later, it's such a different place where you guys can safely spend 3 weeks fetching your girl and being tourists.
It snowed again last night. It wasn't too much, but I think we'll probably stay home from church. Snow removal isn't the best in southern Illinois. There is a possibility there is a 1/4 inch layer of freezing rain under the snow too. The kids had fun playing in the snow yesterday. It was perfect packing snow and Owen was proud of the snowmen that he made.
We think of you guys every day. Take care, and I hope you're home before Tet!
--Annie
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